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ILLINOIS STATE. DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



I have briefly sought to indicate some of the reasons for the decline of 

 dairying. ; 



Natural conditions premise no relative increase, although economic 

 conditions may produce an artificial stimulus, which the Iowa farmer will 

 be quick to see and ready to accept. 



Experience and economy taught the lines of least resistance; educa- 

 tion and environment, begat wealth and prosperity; industrial intelli- 

 gence will welcome opportunity in every branch of agriculture. 



Under the inspiration of Beardshear, Curtiss and Wilson, the boys 

 have learned the soil elements and crop necessities, the science of breed- 

 ing and the value of feeding. The girls have been to Ames also and 

 learned philosophy — the philosphy of domestic economy — better living 

 lighter labor, brighter homes. 



Father and mother went to Ames, possibly, to visit the children, per- 

 chance on college excursion days. They roamed at will through orchard, 

 field and pasture; they investigated the creamery; the hall of domestic 

 economy; they visited the barns, admiring the cattle, the horses, the 

 sheep and the swine; compared types; quizzed the president and pro- 

 fessors; asked a thousand and one questions on breed and feed and 

 profit; then, true to the Hawkeye habit, started home at "sundown." 



They thirsted after knowledge and invited "Charley" Curtiss and 

 "Tama Jim" to their homes; "talked shop"; "told their troubles"; sought 

 advice; got in touch with teacher in their study of causesi and condi- 

 tions. 



Education directs mind and muscle in the contest for the mastery of 

 the secrets of the science of agriculture, "robs it of the mystery it would 

 have for all, if it were the reward of the few, instead of the privilege of 

 the many." 



By the President: — Any further business to bring before the conven- 

 tion? 



Personally I wish to give my thinks, as well as the Association's, to 

 you people of Preeport for your courtesy to us and for turning on; to the 

 meetings as well as you have. It has been an enjoyable convention tc» 

 us, and I hope profitable to you. 



The convention stands adjourned. 



